South Sudan-Sudan border near Abyei - CNN Photo

At least five people have been killed by unknown gunmen in Abyei, the acting Co-chair of Abyei Joint Oversight has said.

He says the attack happened last night in Gok-mou, a village south of Abyei area.

Deng Mading, who was speaking in Juba today, said four people were wounded and one person went missing during the attack which he believes was carried out by Misseriya.

“Unfortunately we have lost five people, they were killed. The injured people are four and we have one person who is missing,” he confirmed.

The acting speaker of the Abyei Area Legislative Assembly, Abol Nyuol Magont, told Eye Radio from Abyei that the wounded people were taken to an MSF hospital in Anet area.

“This area has a lot of cattle and the owners of the caws were sleeping. They killed five; from amongst them, an old man and a one and half year old child,” said Mr Nyuol.

Mr. Mading said the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, managed to recover heads of cattle which were looted by the attackers.

He said those responsible for the crime must be brought to justice. He urged UNISFA forces to protect the civilians in Abyei area.